MILTON — The Milton City Council may look into replacing its Civil Service Board, which an ordinance established to take employee grievances and handle other internal employment issues.
Councilman Alan Lowery suggested tabling the reappointment of board member Barbara Rankin during the March 6 committee meeting at City Hall.
“I’m not sure we even need a Civil Service Board,” Lowery said.
Without the board, the city employees could potentially unionize and cost the city $80,000 for a union attorney, Councilwoman Sharon Holley, former Milton code enforcement officer, said.
This is not necessarily the case, according to Lowery, who said Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Crestview don’t have such boards.
“There are ways around it that are fair to the employee and don’t cost,” Lowery said.
The Civil Service Board has had trouble seating a quorum, the minimum number of board members needed to take actions, according to City Manager Brian Watkins.
“I'm just telling you that when the employees hear you're going to take away their Civil Service Board, they're going to take action,” Holley said.
After some discussion, Lowery amended his motion to follow through with reappointing Rankin to the board. His motion included the stipulation that the council and staff research alternatives to the Civil Service Board. Councilman Jeff Snow seconded the vote. Councilwoman Peggi Smith voted nay.
Councilman Jeff Snow seconded the vote. Councilwoman Peggi Smith voted nay.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Council eyes new ways to address employee grievances